Press Releases

"I Stand With Israel"

Statement by Representative Scott Rigell

I have always supported and will continue to support Israel’s right to exist as a nation, its claim to its current geographic boundaries, and its right to defend itself against the unrelenting threat posed by hostile regimes. The United States and Israel have long enjoyed a strong relationship based on common values, interests, and goals in the Middle East. I am firmly committed to seeing that this relationship continues.

To that end, I am deeply concerned over President Obama’s new Middle East strategy, particularly his views on land negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. President Obama’s call for Israel to reinstate its 1967 borders ignores the greatest obstacle to peace —namely the Palestinian Authority’s alignment with Hamas.

As we seek to bring about peace in the region, we must not forget that Israel is a true ally and friend of the United States, nor can we forget that Israel is a nation surrounded by regimes that present a constant threat to its very existence.